Rodri, the talented midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, was honored with the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday. This accolade came on the heels of his significant contributions to City, which secured their fourth successive Premier League title, and his standout performance in Euro 2024, where Spain emerged as champions. However, the event was marred by controversy as Real Madrid chose to boycott the ceremony, citing perceived disrespect toward their player, Vinicius Junior, who had been anticipated as a frontrunner for the award. The tension escalated when Madrid announced their absence shortly before the event in Paris, declaring that if Vinicius was not awarded the honor, his teammate Dani Carvajal should be acknowledged instead.
The decision to recognize Rodri as the world’s best player took many by surprise, particularly since Vinicius Junior had been favored for his exceptional achievements with Real Madrid, including winning both La Liga and the Champions League. Rodri, 28, had a defining role during Manchester City’s title race against Arsenal and was also voted Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024. As the ceremony approached, leaks about the winner surfaced, prompting Real Madrid to publicly declare their boycott with a statement emphasizing that the Ballon d’Or organizers need to show respect toward the club and its players.
Tensions continued as Real Madrid’s representatives articulated their frustrations regarding the award criteria, promoting Carvajal as a worthy candidate if Vinicius was overlooked. They felt marginalized by the selection process and decided not to attend the gala held at the Châtelet Theatre, criticizing the organizers for failing to reflect their players’ contributions adequately. Besides Vinicius and Carvajal, Real Madrid had several nominations for the award, which included notable players such as Kylian Mbappe and Fede Valverde.
Rodri’s triumph was celebrated by his club and supporters, with City manager Pep Guardiola lauding him as “the best in his position.” Guardiola highlighted Rodri’s versatility, game intelligence, and physical presence, attributing much of City’s recent success to his influence on the pitch. The midfielder has not only excelled in ball distribution and defensive duties but has also made crucial contributions in front of goal, scoring key strikes for both his club and national team. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations was evident in his vital goals during the Champions League and Euro 2024, underscoring his importance to both Manchester City and Spain.
Praise for Rodri extended beyond Guardiola, with Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente commending his management of the emotional and tactical aspects of the game. De la Fuente acknowledged Rodri’s guidance of younger teammates through the tournament, emphasizing his significance as a leader. Capable of transforming matches, Rodri’s presence has been linked to Manchester City’s formidable run, as their last four league losses coincided with his absence from the squad. His impeccable form is further illustrated by his ongoing unbeaten streak in the Premier League, which has lasted since February 2023.
As Manchester City looks ahead, aspirations for a fifth consecutive Premier League title are currently challenged, particularly after Rodri sustained a significant injury that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, Rodri’s legacy and influence on the team’s achievements remain pivotal. The drama surrounding the Ballon d’Or ceremony highlighted broader tensions within football, particularly regarding player recognition, fairness in awards, and the competitive dynamics between clubs. The episode serves as a reminder of how individual accolades can reverberate through the league and affect relationships among elite football institutions.
